The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) marked its 60th anniversary by engaging the local community through art. On July 16, 2026, the Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop was held at the Hong Kong Book Fair, bringing together around 100 students from primary and secondary schools in Wan Chai. The students created drawings of Hong Kong landmarks and city scenes, collaborating with local artist Jane Lee, known by her pseudonym Messy Desk. Their work will inspire a large-scale artwork commemorating the HKTDC's 60th anniversary.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong attended the event to view the students' artistic depictions of Hong Kong's economic and industrial strengths. Prof Ma emphasized the workshop's role in fostering youth development and community engagement. “The Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop enables young people to draw a vibrant picture of Hong Kong through art. Every pen stroke vividly reflects their perspective on the city’s global role,” he said.
The workshop centered on the theme “Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World.” Students from the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Methodist Centre, and St James’ Settlement participated, presenting Hong Kong’s trade development through their drawings. The final artwork will incorporate Hong Kong landmarks, exhibition and conference scenes, shipping and air freight elements, and depictions of community and business life. It will convey Hong Kong’s “Four Centres and One Hub” positioning under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the city’s roles as an international financial, shipping, trading, and innovation and technology centre, as well as a global hub for high-calibre talent.
The completed mural will undergo final refinement by the artist and be displayed from October 2 to October 29 at the eastbound tram stop on O'Brien Road in Wan Chai. This public exhibition allows the community to witness the milestone of HKTDC’s 60th anniversary. Additionally, during the Hong Kong Book Fair, the HKTDC facilitated free visits to the Book Fair, the Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks for participating students, broadening their horizons through cultural activities.
This initiative underscores the HKTDC’s commitment to community and youth development while promoting Hong Kong’s trade and business. Since its establishment in 1966, the HKTDC has been based in Wan Chai for decades, helping link Hong Kong with global markets. With over 50 offices worldwide, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The organization organizes international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in mainland and international markets.
For more information about HKTDC’s 60th anniversary activities, visit https://60.hktdc.com/en. Additional details about the HKTDC can be found at https://www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
